FF Points Usage

[Gold60]

Hi All,

can someone please point me to any info already on here about using FF points ??

the story: i don't think i will fly far enough, often enough to earn many SC's; i don't drink, shop much aside form the basics, etc, therefore can/do use any points i gather either flying or weekly shopping to go towards any future flying i do.

has this type of question been discussed on here before, elsewhere please ?

Thanks,


Al

 

[RooFlyer]

There are probably a number, but I can't think of a specific useful one. If what you are facing is a modest balance of 'orphaned' points, then have a look round the Qantas Mall and maybe buy something useful with the points.

As long as you have some 'activity' yearly, the points will continue to accumulate, although you risk devaluations in the future.

Hope that helps?

 

[Gold60]

thanks Roo. if you only have a few thousand points - say 5 - 10K - can you use them towards a better class of ticket/seat? So that if you were going to fly Y, a P/ec ticket to somewhere was $3K - and 10K of points was worth $300 - could you then possibly get that P/Ec ticket if you paid the $2700 in cash ?

 

[RooFlyer]

Doesn't work quite like that.

You can either apply for:

A) an Award seat - and they tend to be expensive in terms of points PLUS the cash fees. the fees can be about the same as a straight-out cheapest fare!

B) an upgrade. In this case you need to buy an upgradable Y ticket (can't tell you which 'fare buckets' qualify, sorry - fare buckets are signified by the letters Y, N, D etc). Then you go to 'manage my booking' on the QF web site and apply for an upgrade; it'll tell you the number of points required. They don't debit from your account until the upgrade comes through. Unfortunately they also don't confirm straight away, and that's usually just before the flight.

However there are only a limited number of upgrade and Award seats available per flight, so those with status tend to get them, if its a popular route. But you have to be in it to win it!

I'd say go for an upgrade rather than an Award seat.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi All,

can someone please point me to any info already on here about using FF points ??

the story: i don't think i will fly far enough, often enough to earn many SC's; i don't drink, shop much aside form the basics, etc, therefore can/do use any points i gather either flying or weekly shopping to go towards any future flying i do.

has this type of question been discussed on here before, elsewhere please ?

Thanks,


Al

10,000 points is the minimum number required to upgrade the shortest of flights in Australia. These have to be under 600 miles. Domestic upgrades can be confirmed, subject to availability, at the time you make the booking (you can always call qantas before you book to check if the upgrade seat is there).

For international upgrades, it's a lottery. Unless you hold the very highest status, you could be paying a lot of extra money for a fare eligible to upgrade, and then still miss out. I wouldn't rest your hopes on an upgrade.

The minimum number of points for a straight out business class award varies... new Zealand is going to be the cheapest (I think 36,000 points one way). To get to Aisa, you'll need 50k points one way jetstar to Bali, or 60,000 points to get to Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong on Qantas.

So unless you have those sorts of points, or expect to be able to earn them... you need to look and see if you're getting value for money by spending on products that accrue points to start with. For example, your credit card fees for earning points may exceed any return. Shopping at Woolies to get points might not be the best value if you have an Aldi next door.

Otherwise, you can buy products through qantas... movie tickets, Myer vouchers etc. The value of the points isn't great... so again examine whether what it costs you to earn the points is worthwhile compared to the returns.

 

[Isochronous]

Let's not forget full price ASAs can be paid with points plus cash...!

 

[RooFlyer]

10,000 points is the minimum number required to upgrade the shortest of flights in Australia. These have to be under 600 miles. Domestic upgrades can be confirmed, subject to availability, at the time you make the booking (you can always call qantas before you book to check if the upgrade seat is there).
<snip>.

Yes, I've been called on that before! I only do international upgrades

 

[wandering_fred]

Recently when looking at SYD-AKL, redeeming a flight was 18K points and about $100. Points and pay were 15K points and about $100.

While there is a minimum number of points you can use, careful looking will come up with some alternatives before the miles expire. Sale fares may be the best candidates.

Happy wandering

Fred